Race Discovery
Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)
Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k) logo

Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)

Mill Spring, North Carolina, United States View on map
Aug 14, 2027 (America/New_York local time)
Trail running

About this race

🐎 Gallop Through the Trails at the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🌲

  Giddy up, runners! The Dark Horse Trail Marathon & Half Marathon at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in beautiful Tryon, North Carolina is the perfect opportunity for you to feel the wind in your hair as you race through stunning trails set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests 🏞️. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a newcomer, this race promises an unforgettable adventure through a unique blend of athleticism and the natural beauty that only the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains can offer 🌳.   Imagine galloping through wide dirt paths, winding your way through single-track trails, and trotting across grassy meadows 🌾. Along the way, you'll take in breathtaking views, and if you're lucky, you might spot a fellow horse galloping by as you run through the very grounds that host the world's grandest equestrian events 🏇. This is the place where nature and sport collide, creating a race day experience like no other. Whether you're chasing that marathon glory or just here for the half marathon fun, each step brings you closer to the heart of this magical, four-legged world.   After crossing the finish line, enjoy the post-race festivities alongside your fellow runners and equestrian fans 🎉. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is always buzzing with energy, and you can celebrate your victory with food 🍔, drinks 🍻, and live music 🎶 while taking in the beautiful atmosphere of this renowned venue. It’s not just about the race—it’s about connecting with the land, nature, and the incredible spirit of adventure 🐾.

 
Event Details

When: All Races Start at 8:00 AM ⏰ Where: Tryon Equestrian Center Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 📍 Packet Pickup: Will be held at the Start/Finish Line starting 1 hour before your event 🏁. Course Cutoff: For the marathon: Runners have 6 hours to complete but must start last lap before 5 hours Parking: When you enter the Equestrian Center, stay to the left to enter the main gate 🏇. Let them know you're here for the race, and follow the driveway to the left, which will lead you to participant parking, right by the start/finish line next to the General Store 🚗  

Amenities located within eye sight of the start/finish line

  • Breakfast Diner 🍳
  • Coffee Shop ☕
  • Convenient Store 🛒
  • Bars/Restaurants 🍽️
  • Indoor Bathrooms 🚻
 

Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE🗺️

The course consists of a 6.5-mile loop that meanders through the equestrian center with a mixture of wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows 🐴. The course has 600 feet of elevation gain per loop, offering you a steady challenge as you gallop through this beautiful terrain 🏞️.  

Aid Station

There is one aid station at the start and finish line 🏁. You'll find pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, fig newtons, and pretzels 🥨.  Hydration will include water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤. Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel for use at the aid station 🏅.  Feel free to donate any homemade snacks or supplies you'd like to see at the aid station 🍪.

 
Staging Area - Camping & Personal Aid Stations

We offer camping for participants and their crews during registration ⛺. There’s no water or power, but you'll have plenty of space to spread out next to the course and enjoy the serenity of nature 🌲. Drop bags can be placed at the start/finish line area 👜. Please label your drop bag with your name and bib number to ensure it’s waiting for you at the finish line when you’re done 🏁.  
Don’t miss the chance to trot, gallop, and race through the scenic beauty of the Tryon Equestrian Center. This is your opportunity to experience the thrill of the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🏇🐴🌿

Pick your distance

Trail running

Dark Horse Marathon

Aug 14, 2027 Marathon 8:00 AM
$35.00
Open

Dark Horse Half Marathon

Aug 14, 2027 Half-Marathon 8:00 AM
$30.00
Open

Dark Horse 10k

Aug 14, 2027 10K 8:00 AM
$25.00
Open

Typical race-day weather

Based on 7 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Mill Spring, plus the 3 days either side.

Temp (°C)
Minimum temperature (race-week average) 12.6° / Maximum temperature (race-week average) 24.5°
Feels Like (°C)
Minimum feels like — heat index / wind chill (race-week average) 11.5° / Maximum feels like — heat index / wind chill (race-week average) 27.1°
Peak wind (km/h)
Strongest wind of the day (race-week average)
13.6
Precip (mm)
Precipitation over the day (race-week average)
3.4mm
Humidity
Mean relative humidity (race-week average)
68.1%
Sunrise
Sunrise at the start line on August 14, 2027 (EDT)
Sunset
Sunset at the start line on August 14, 2027 (EDT)
Daylight
Hours between sunrise and sunset on race day
13h 31m

The sun rises at 6:47 AM and sets at 8:19 PM local time (EDT) in Mill Spring on August 14, 2027 — 13h 31m of daylight.

Course

No course map published yet.

The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.

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Results — Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)

2026 edition View Results
2025 edition View Results
2024 edition View Results
2023 edition View Results
2021 edition View Results
2020 edition View Results

Other races near Mill Spring

Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months

Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.

  • Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
  • Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
  • Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
  • Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 4 Mill Spring events

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